Building-related:
(1) collapse of the roof
(2) partial or total collapse of the entire structure
(3) falling missiles (glass from windows, roofing materials, bricks, ornamental items)
(4) falling air conditioning units located on the roof or in windows
(5) buckling of doors or collapse of doorways
A key determinant is whether buildings have been built to withstand earthquakes. Many injuries and deaths involve collapse of buildings built either using substandard materials or prior to development of earthquake structural codes.
Buckling of doors may prevent emergency response vehicles from being able to leave their stations.
Building contents:
(1) falling or toppling of book cases or cabinets
(2) collapse of furniture
(3) water heaters
(4) chandeliers and lighting fixtures
(5) heavy mirrors
(6) televisions
Fire-related:
(1) falling oil stoves or lamps
(2) broken gas lines
(3) gasoline storage tanks
(4) live electrical lines
The risk of fire increases if the buildings are constructed of wood or flammable materials. If a high density of buildings made of flammable materials collapse, then widespread fires or even firestorms may develop. If water mains are broken, then it may be impossible to contain the fires.
Electrical hazards may be present if high voltage lines are affected. These may be on the ground or may be suspended.
Drowning:
(1) dam breakage
(2) tsunami if coastal with offshore earthquake
(3) broken water mains
Transportation:
(1) bridge collapse
(2) collapse of elevated roadways
(3) railroads
(4) subways
(5) accidents blocking roadways
Other hazards:
(1) landslides or mudslides
(2) avalanche
(3) cold exposure during the winter
(4) chemical spills (from storage facilities, railroad container cars, tanker trucks)
(5) radiation leak from nuclear power plants
